As Pakistan return to the Test-cricket playing arena after more than a full calendar year, I'd like to welcome the team back after all this recent turmoil and trouble. Yes, the first two days against Sri Lanka haven't been idyllic, but as the team evolves, the players will grow. So here's to the future, and welcome back.

Thank you. There should not be any surprise about the first 2 days... Your main batsman and bowler are'nt playing and even if they did. SL would still be the better team and favourates.
Getting a draw would be a good thing for Pakistan. But the big picture should be that other teams should also visit.

I followed this match very closely indeed. The wicket was probably too much in the batsmen's favour, but Pakistan bowlers didn't too too badly second time round, did they?
Good for test cricket to see Pakistan back. The following lines are co^pied from the excellent cricinfo.com Web-site:

Pakistan will emerge as the team with the upper hand after this draw. Plenty of runs scored in the first innings, lots of landmarks reached and a number of records broken, but kudos to the Pakistan bowlers to make things interesting on the fifth day, after a rather drab effort in the first innings. The fact that they managed to overhaul a mammoth Sri Lankan score and put them under pressure on the last day means Pakistan go into the next Test with more confidence, and the momentum. A satisfactory finish, though it didn't seem like it initially, to their first Test outing in almost 14 months.

quote:

Originally posted by bik74:
But the big picture should be that other teams should also visit.

Clearly I spoke too soon. Sad about the security officials and the driver that lost their lives. Thank Allah that no SL member got killed. No cricket in Pakistan for another 5 or even 10 years now, it seems.
This sucks and most unfortunate part is that none of the bas_ards responsible got killed or caught.

I truly sympathise, bik, with all those who suffered and are suffering. Such a tragedy to happen in Pakistan. I'm truly sorry.
And purely in terms of cricket in Pakistan, yes, it's going to be quite a while, I fear, me too.